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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Missed Menstrual Periods - Amenorrhea

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Amenorrhea is generally not life threatening, but it may be linked to certain health problems. When a woman reports it, her doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. He or she may also recommend:

a pregnancy test

hormone tests

special blood tests if a girl has not developed breasts or pubic hair by age 14

blood tests if a girl or woman has breast discharge, headaches, vision changes, too much body hair or weight

These tests measure:

HCG hormone, which is a marker for pregnancy

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is important in regulating the menstrual cycle

estradiol level, the main estrogen in the body

thyroid function

prolactin, a hormone associated with certain tumors or thyroid gland abnormalities

chromosome abnormalities that may prevent menstruation

Some tumors of the pituitary gland may cause elevated prolactin levels. Special X-rays of the head can show tumors in the pituitary.

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